On May 26, 2017 in Bishkek, the USAID Collaborative Governance Program (CGP) held a seminar on two topics: “Essentials of M&E System Development in Projects” (32 participants from 24 CSOs) and “Grant Budgeting and Preparing Financial Reports Using Grant Funds” (31 participants from 21 CSOs).

In the first part of the seminar, the participants learned the tools on project monitoring and evaluation from international best practices and problems that CSOs frequently face in project implementation. CGP Monitoring, Evaluation and Gender Officer Nurgul Alybaeva presented the theory of monitoring and evaluation, in particular, key steps in M&E, different systems and tools of monitoring, indicators, data collection methods, data processing and analysis. Particular attention was given to practical work with participants analyzing cases from various projects and identified goals and indicators.

The second half of the day was devoted to proper grant budgeting in projects and preparing financial reports under grants. CGP Grants Administration and Compliance Manager Meergul Sulaimanova noted that one of the main criteria of financial discipline was the quality and timeliness of reporting. As it turns out, the problem of CSOs in Kyrgyzstan is not preparing the applications for grants, but rather accurate accounting and timely and accurate documentation.

All the cases considered during the seminar were taken from actual work experience of USAID CGP with CSOs.

A joint photo of participants of the seminar “Essentials of M&E System Development in Projects” and “Grant Budgeting and Preparing Financial Reports Using Grant Funds” with trainers Meergul Sulaimanova and Nurgul Alybaeva.

Participants gear up for presentation during the interactive games.

CSO representatives working in teams to study practical cases and develop a plan to address the suggested problems.

The working group reviews the project goals and objectives in order to conduct sound monitoring and evaluation.

Group leaders study examples of monitoring and evaluation from the practical experience of the USAID Collaborative Governance Program.

The participants split the project implementation plan into priority areas.

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